BEST BEACHES IN NAPLES & MARCO ISLAND, FLORIDA

Discover Gorgeous White Sand-Beaches Near Naples Grande Beach Resort

Naples, Florida has no shortage of incredible beaches — which can make it almost impossible to pick just one or two to visit during your stay at Naples Grande Beach Resort. But the top beaches in and around Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades stand out because they're gorgeous, they’re secluded and they’ve got some of the softest, sugary sand found anywhere. Here are best:

Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park

Ranked 10th on Dr. Beach's 2014 Best Beach in the U.S. list, the pristine mile-long beach at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is a tropical paradise that’s perfect for sunbathing, swimming, shelling and snorkeling. It’s located on a narrow 166-acre barrier island separated from the mainland by tidal creeks and mangrove wetlands. The park’s nature trail is a favorite of bird lovers and its observation tower offers peaceful views of Wiggins Pass and the Gulf of Mexico. Picnic areas have grills, restrooms and showers, as well as paddleboards, kayaks, canoes, umbrellas and beach chairs for rent.

Naples Municipal Beach

The bustling Naples Municipal Beach features 10 miles of flawless white sand and an iconic local landmark: the Naples Pier. First built in 1888, the pier extends 1,000 feet into the Gulf of Mexico and is a favorite of fishing enthusiasts, sightseers, families and everyone who loves a good sunset. The beach features a concession stand, volleyball courts, picnic tables, parking, restrooms and showers, as well as children’s lifejackets available to borrow free of charge. Access the beach and pier at the west end of 12th Avenue South.

Barefoot Beach Preserve County Park

Barefoot Beach on Little Hickory Island north of Naples is perfect for those seeking a natural beach environment surrounded by wildlife and greenery. Rated the 6th best beach in America by Dr. Beach in 2014, Barefoot boasts 8,200 feet of soft sugary sand on one of the last undeveloped barrier islands on the west coast of Florida. Perfect for families, the beach’s shallow water and gentle waves are made for relaxing and enjoying the view. Amenities include a picnic area, equipment rental, a concession stand, showers, restrooms and handicapped beach wheelchair access.

Vanderbilt Beach

This gorgeous white sand beach is one of the most popular in Naples. Located on a prime spot at the end of Vanderbilt Drive in North Naples, Vanderbilt Beach is close to shops and restaurants. In the early morning hours, beachgoers enjoy going for walks, shelling and birding. During the day, it’s a popular place to swim, stand up paddleboard and kayak. And in the evening, crowds gather to watch the sunset. The beach has loads of amenities, including concessions, showers, restrooms, bike racks, a parking garage and handicap access.

Tigertail Beach

Tigertail Beach, at the northern end of Marco Island, provides a perfect balance of natural beauty and well-appreciated amenities. The pristine white sand beach is great for shelling, bird watching, tidal pool exploration and taking in breathtaking sunsets. During low tide, the short hike to Sand Dollar Spit makes for a fun adventure. Once an offshore sandbar, it has become a tiny barrier island known for its shells. From the north end of the spit, Coconut Island is a just short walk away. Amenities include a playground, volleyball courts, water sports rentals, a picnic area and a concession stand, as well as showers, restrooms, parking and handicap access.

South Marco Beach

At the other end of Marco Island, South Marco Beach is a wide sugar-sand beach that’s set apart from the island’s high-rises by a wide swath of native vegetation. The beach is popular for sun seekers, shell collectors and swimmers, and families will enjoy fishing or watching for dolphins playing in the gentle surf near the beach’s rock jetty. Access the beach on South Collier Boulevard, where a parking lot and restrooms are available for beachgoers.

Lowdermilk Park on Naples Beach

Popular with locals and visitors alike, Lowdermilk Park features 1,000 feet of pristine beachfront close to downtown shops and restaurants in a manicured park setting. Families will appreciate the soft white sand, gentle waves and shallow water, as well as the picnic areas, playgrounds, concession stand, restrooms and outdoor showers. It’s also great place to watch the sunset. Located on Gulfshore Drive between Mooring Line Drive and 5th Avenue South.

Clam Pass Beach

Gorgeous, family-friendly Clam Pass Beach also happens to be adjacent to Naples Grande Beach Resort. As a part of Clam Pass Beach Park, the beach boasts 3,200 feet of soft white sandy beachfront and calm waters secluded behind a wide mangrove forest. Reach it by walking a three-quarter-mile boardwalk through the mangroves, or make the trip on the free shuttle from the beach's parking lot. Along the way, you’ll pass a tidal bay area filled with marine life and birds. The concession area and picnic pavilions make this beach a lovely gathering spot. Clam Pass Beach Park also features a kayak and canoe launch, showers and restrooms.

Keewaydin Island Beach

Accessible only by boat, Keewaydin Island is nestled between Naples and Marco Island. Beach lovers will want to head to the island’s Gulf side, where nearly 8 miles of white sandy beach await. The island is pristine and non-commercial with no facilities, though food and beverages are available for purchase from a pontoon boat on the near shore. To reach the island, rent a boat from the Naples or Marco Island marina or take the Hemingway Water Shuttle, which makes seven trips to the island per day. The shuttle and island are dog-friendly.

Lovers Key State Park Beach

Twenty miles north of Naples in Bonita Springs, Lovers Key State Park features a stunning 2–mile soft sandy beach that the Travel Channel once dubbed one of Florida’s top 10 beaches. But even with all the praise it’s garnered, the beach has managed to stay somewhat of a hidden gem. This secluded beach is great for sunning, swimming, shelling and picnicking and there are also kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddle boards available to rent so visitors can also explore the four barrier islands that make up the park.

Dog Beach Park

Also in Lovers State Park, Dog Beach Park is a favorite of dogs and their owners. This off leash beach is situated on a coastal tideland with water shallow enough for even older or shorter dogs to frolic in. To make sure every dog is happy, the beach has separate areas for small, medium and large dogs. Dogs owners are required to clean up after their dogs, and doggie showers and poop bags are provided.

“FAMILY VACATION”

How and where to even begin!!! The service, the hotel location, the experience, everything was top notch! My brothers and I had a great time, the beach staff and Pierre were excellent. Pierre made us feel so special like we knew each other!

Louna J

“BEST SERVICE EVER”

Spent time at the resort and I have to say that Pierre at the beach provided outstanding service. His attention to helping us find a spot on the beach was excellent. It's this type of service that makes us want to definitely come back. Great time, excellent beach.

Gissele V

“OUTSTANDING STAFF AND ACCOMMODATIONS”

This was one of our best family trips. Special shout out to Mirna at the beach activities center. She gave us outstanding, friendly, and personalized care. She seemed to go above and beyond to ensure our visit was memorable.

alec b

“BEST PART OF MY VACATION!”

I came to Naples for a small vacation away from the north. I could not have enjoyed myself more. This hotel had everything! A nice pool, a lap pool, a beautiful beach, gym, restaurants and more. Defiantly will come back.

williamb52526

“THE PERFECT PLACE FOR OUR 30TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION!”

Resort was so nice and relaxing. We came to celebrate our 30th Birthday and it was the perfect spot. Loved the adult pool area & beach. Rooms were clean and modern. The manager, Jean, was very professional and accommodated our every need. We loved our stay here and highly recommend it.

aSheerLady

“AMAZING STAY”

We stayed here for a wedding party we had. I must say this was a great experience everything was great from the Front desk manger Jean to all his staff. Everyone is friendly very welcoming I would definitely return back here and recommend any one here .

Andrea Z

“WEDDING TRIP”

I was there for a friends wedding, I have never seen this resort prior I have always gone to ritz or Marriotts. I will Definitely be coming here for my next vacation. Everyone was so sweet and helpful, the resort is beautiful, the spa is suburb. Definitely a Naples hidden gem.

cindholden

“EXCELLENT EXPERIENCE”

Great Hotel, super clean and spacious room, nice staff, great pool, convenient location, my kids had a great time, the beach is very close to the hotel, great food and service, I will recommend this hotel to all my friends and family, we will love to stay at this hotel in a near future

Cg20142014

“VACATION”

Beautiful hotel and beach... had a wonderful time. Be sure to ask for Pierre at the beach hut as he is wonderful and very helpful! Love swimming in the gulf- and the weather is perfect! 10 min drive to great restaurants in Naples. Overall, a wonderful trip. Planning to come back next year.

A TripAdvisor Mem

“TERRIFIC”

Will Most Definitely be visiting Naples Grande Beach Resort!!! Next time we will be staying even longer!!!! We were greeted and checked in promptly. Our room was LOVELY; the view from our balcony left us in Complete Awe! The entire Staff, especially, Manager Jean, treated us with such kindess and with the utmost delightful service. The location was just perfect, we enjoyed the nature trail ride to the beach, the delivering of drinks and food to the beach, which was ordered so conveniently in seconds from my phone was AWESOME!!.

TNORIEGA4

“ENJOYABLE”

We had such an enjoyable vacation with our kids and family over the Easter holiday. The check-in was very efficient and Gabby review the hotel in detailed, she then pointed us over to Beth who was very helpful and assisted us with dinner plans over the next 2 days. The kids enjoyed the slide and making sand castles on the beach. We ran into some our friends from our town on the beach. Go the Director card who helped us with a late checkout to return next year.

CarsForSale

“The Perfect Place...”

Resort was so nice and relaxing. We came to celebrate our 30th Birthday and it was the perfect spot. Loved the adult pool area & beach. Rooms were clean and modern. The manager, Jean, was very professional and accommodated our every need. We loved our stay here and highly recommend it.